President Jeffrey Bostic praised the creativity and musical excellence of students at Christ Church Foundation School (CCFS) during his visit on Wednesday, saying the school exemplified the artistic potential of the nation’s youth.
The president was greeted not only by sports teams, extracurricular clubs and cadets but also by a vibrant display of the school’s creative and performing arts.
The visit culminated in a lively send-off by the CCFS Steel Orchestra, whose medley of songs drew visible appreciation from both students and the President.
In his speech, President Bostic made special mention of the importance of creative expression, pointing to music and the arts as essential avenues for students to showcase their abilities. He highlighted the need for greater opportunities for young people to display their skills, noting that schools across Barbados are home to “serious” steelbands and a plethora of undiscovered talent.
“I believe all those who do creative things in school, painting, woodwork, metalwork, those who make things, there should be an avenue for you to showcase your skills to this country and visitors too,” he said, adding that such exposure could even provide students and schools with opportunities to earn income.
A performance by singer Janae Lavia, saxophonist Nikhyl Burnett and the Christ Church Foundation Pop Band captivated the audience. The blend of live music and student artistry created an atmosphere that reflected the President’s message about excellence and self-expression.
The president used the opportunity to inspire students, drawing on a speech by Martin Luther King Jr titled What Is Your Life’s Blueprint? He encouraged students to develop a strong sense of self-worth, strive for excellence, and remain committed to values such as love, justice and integrity.
But it was his emphasis on talent development that resonated most with the day’s events. He spoke of plans to be implemented soon, including programmes such as the Chapman Challenge aimed at supporting students’ transition from primary to secondary school, as well as efforts to rehabilitate young offenders through education and skills training.
President Bostic also hinted at future national showcases for student talent, particularly in the creative arts, suggesting that schools like CCFS could play a key role in highlighting Barbados’s cultural richness.
“You have to showcase all of the talent that we have within the schools,” he said, reinforcing his belief that creativity should be nurtured alongside academics.
The visit concluded with a question-and-answer segment where both students and teachers engaged the President, followed by the presentation of gifts crafted by past participants of the school’s $20 Challenge and its art department.
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